Reviews

Fevers and Mirrors

08/10/2000 | Ready Set Aesthetic | Album Review

Conor Oberst (aka Bright Eyes) on "Fevers and Mirrors" has made the move
from intimate, 4-track, bedroom recordings to an equally intimate recording
done in a big time 24 track studio. I have to say that he benefits from the
amenities offered up by a big studio. Various instruments really round out
the sound and push the overall intensity of the songs both sonically and
emotionally to a fever pitch. It all showcases Oberst's gift for
songwriting better than anything he's done previous to this. Mr.Bright Eyes
emotions seem to be pushed to such a limit you might find yourself a bit
concerned for him. Or, perhaps, he is just a bit of a drama case. I dunno.
Whatever it is, it's working for him. The songs come off as confessional,
emotional fits and skillfully ride the line of being both offsetting and
inviting. It's an odd dynamic but it works quite well.